History of Mudumalai Forest Reserve: One of the Best National Parks in Tamil Nadu

Mudumalai came to be known as Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in April 2007 to conserve the declining Tiger populations in India. At present, around 48 tigers roam in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The formation of the Tiger Reserve in Mudumalai led to the eviction of around 350 families in that area.

After paying compensation of nearly 1 million INR to these residents, the Tamil Nadu State Government enhanced its income through ecotourism. In the year 2010, the National Tiger Conservation Authority, estimating a total cost of around Rs. 4 crores, approved the “Project Tiger” in Mudumalai.

Flora & Wildlife in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Mudumalai Forest Reserve is home to more than 500 species of wildlife, birds, insects, and reptiles. Many national parks in India have awe-striking flora but the plant life you will witness in Mudumalai is undoubtedly astounding. The Moyar River flows through this sanctuary serving as a thirst-quenching source for the flora and fauna of this reserve.

Flora

This sanctuary features three main types of forests viz.:

tropical moist deciduous,
tropical dry deciduous, and
southern tropical dry thorn forests

The tropical moist deciduous forests are found in the western Benne Block which experiences higher rainfall than the other blocks. You will find the tropical dry deciduous forests in the middle. The southern tropical dry thorn forests lie in the eastern area.

You may also find patches of tropical semi-evergreen forests in the western and the south-western part of Mudumalai. Two species of huge bamboo brakes are found in the dry deciduous forests which are eaten by elephants and gaur living around. The dry deciduous and dry thorn forests nestle more mammal species than the other habitats.

Apart from bamboo, the presence of wild rice, turmeric, cinnamon, wild ginger, guava, mango, pepper, etc. makes it one of the best national parks in Tamil Nadu. The plants serve as the feeding and resting source of mammals in the sanctuary.

Fauna

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary has a high diversity of endangered as well as vulnerable animal species. You will find many types of fauna in the wilderness of this national park. This sanctuary huddles the Indian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, and Gaur - the Indian Bison.

Apart from this, there is a large biodiversity of around 21 species of amphibians, 50 species of fish, 34 species of reptiles, 227 species of birds, and a total of 55 mammal species. Did you know that the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary shelters a total of 13% mammal species and 8% birds in India?

You will also spot the Indian White-rumped Vulture and long-billed vulture if you are lucky enough. The Bonnet Macaque, Langur, Squirrels, Flying Squirrels, Sambar, Chital, Mouse Deer, and Barking Deer are the dominant animal species here.

Avifauna

Not only fauna, but the Mudumalai Forest Reserve is also rich in avifauna. This is another reason to add this destination into your bucket list if you want to explore the wildlife in India.

The predominant avifaunal species in the sanctuary are Black Woodpecker, Barbets, Racket-Tailed Drongo, Parakeets, Mynas, Malabar Trogon, Malabar Gray Hornbill, Crested Hawk Eagle, Cuckoos, and Crested Serpent Eagle.

Best Time to Visit & Why?

Well connected by the national highway, this sanctuary is open throughout the year. However, it is best to visit it in the early summers (February to May) or after the monsoon (September to October). Large trees like Sandalwood, Bamboo, Mahogany, and Teak grow very tall, blocking the sunlight, even on the sunniest days. So, it is better to reach Mudumalai Reserve during noontime.

You can travel to Mudumalai by bus or train as per your preference. Many buses are available all day long so that you can travel whenever you want. Mysore and Ooty railway stations are the nearest to the sanctuary. If you are planning to go by car, you must know that private vehicles are not allowed inside the reserve.

Hotels

Since it is a huge tourist attraction, you will easily find beautiful resorts in the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary. You will find most of the hotels close to the park. You can find a low-price hotel with warm hospitality and comfortable lodging facilities even if you are on a low budget. However, if you are visiting at peak time, make sure to book in advance as some of the best resorts in the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary fill up fast and might lead to last moment hassles.

Entry Fee

Rs. 15 for every adult visitor; extra Rs. 55 for still camera and Rs. 315 for video camera

Opening Hours

06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

When Not to Visit?

You should avoid going to this sanctuary during the hot summers of June or in the monsoon seasons (July to August). In June, it gets very hot and dry due to which there are chances of the forest fire. Monsoon leaves the reserve very muddy and full of insects making it unsuitable for trekking or even exploring. You may not be able to spot various animals if you plan your trip in winter.

Unique Things to Do

If you are all set to visit this beautiful attraction, keep a note of these fun things you can do:

1. Jungle Safari

Safari is the main attraction of Mudumalai National Park because it allows you to explore wildlife and fauna in a better way. You cannot do advanced bookings for Jungle safari but you can easily get the tickets for it. You can spot panthers, tigers, pythons, barking deer, etc. through van jungle safari.

2. Elephant Safari

If you are more adventurous, why not take the elephant safari instead? It is an experience worth taking! Sit on the back of trained elephants and explore the woods.

3. Elephant Camps

Elephants camps at Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary give you an amazing chance to connect with playful, baby elephants. You can watch kumki elephants play in their camps, eat ragi and rice balls, and have fun around.

4. Camping

What's more relaxing than a day dedicated to jungle camping? Engage with nature and accommodate yourself in your tent. Build your roaring campfire and enjoy the breathtaking view around.

5. Bird Watching

The bird species in Mudumalai can be categorized in 110 insectivore species, 62 carnivore species, 12 omnivore species, 20 granivore species, and 23 piscivore species. Can you ask for more?

6. Trekking

Trekking is the perfect thing to do for exploratory visitors in Mudumalai. Although you are not allowed to trek inside the core forest area for your safety concerns, you can contact the travel planners to help you explore the park from other destinations.

Nearby Places to Visit

Do you think you have seen everything in Mudumalai? You are wrong. This wildlife sanctuary is not enough to amaze you! There’s a lot more to explore around Mudumalai.

If you have planned an extended vacation, these beautiful nearby places will excite you even more:

1. Moyar River Gorge

The Moyar River originates from Moyar city, off the Masinagudi-Ooty Road. The Moyar Valley, also known as Moyar Gorge is a deep 30 km long canyon filled with steep rocky walls and scanty vegetation. We are sure that it is a sight you don’t want to miss if you travel to Mudumalai.

2. Needle Rock View Point

The Needle Rock View Point is located in Gudalur, approximately 15 kilometers away from Mudumalai Reserve. You can trek all the way to the highest point and have a lot of fun. This place has a panoramic view where you can take some really beautiful pictures and calm yourself down with the cool breeze.

3. Pykara Lake

Located around 12 miles from Ooty and 25 miles from Theppakadu, the Pykara Lake is a famous tourist spot for boating and hiking. It is a clean, scenic lake that will refresh your mind and will make you forget about the pollution around you.

4. Mudumalai Museum

This museum is the house of dead animals who were once inhabitants of the Mudumalai Jungle.

5. Pine Tree Forests

Nuzzled between Ooty and Thalakunda and around 45 km away from Mudumalai National Park, you will enjoy horse riding in these dense pine forests.

6. Kalhatti Falls

Also known as the Bird Watcher's Falls, the Kalhatti Falls is located 13 km from Ooty and 30 km from Theppakadu. With a height of 40 meters, these waterfalls give you a fantastic chance for trekking and making the most out of your vacation.

7. Wenlock Downs

Wenlock Downs is a lush green meadow for golfing enthusiasts. Located 15 km from Ooty, Wenlock Downs will make you fall in love with its beauty at first sight.

8. Tea Estate View Point

The Tea Estate ViewPoint will bring out your love for "chai" even more. Surrounded by tea plantations wide across, this is a really calm place to soothe any disturbed mind. You can find peace in these green slopes just 60 kilometers away from Mudumalai park.

Besides these places, there are many scenic attractions located around the Mudumalai sanctuary. Mudumalai and the places around it are all about paying tribute to nature and healing your inner self. From clouds to seas, animals to plants, you will find everything soothing and calming.

Different Types of Safaris

If you are a vivid traveler who loves an adventurous safari ride in the jungle, you can enjoy the Elephant Safari or the Van Safari conducted by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The departure takes place at Theppakadu, the park headquarters.

The three provisions for Safari in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. are:

1) Jungle Safari

Organized two times a day for a total of two hours at a cost

2) Road Safari

Organized twice a day for two hours each

3) Elephant Safari

Only organized in the morning for 40 minutes

You can purchase the tickets from the reception at Theppakadu.

Summing Up!

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is a place full of surprises for wildlife and nature lovers. There is a lot to explore and learn about nature here. Not only leisure, but it also compels us to take care of the animals and plantations around us. You can reach there by bus, car, taxi or train. For covering distance via air, you can take a flight to Bangalore Airport.

Don't forget to read the instructions given by the national park and the guides very carefully. Don't touch animals or anything around. After all, you never know if an animal attacks you or you are allergic to a plant. Don't do flash photography and carry your first aid box. Opt for Morning Safari for better visibility and exploration. Keep a shawl or a jacket to keep you warm after the sun settles.

Also Read:

1. Top 30 Wildlife Sanctuaries In India

2. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Periyar National Park

3. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary - Dandeli National Park

4. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary - Munnar | Kerala

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